OCFA firefighters respond to a two-story structure fire early Tuesday morning on the 3500 block of Camino Mira Costa. Photo: Courtesy of OCFA

Updated 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 29

By Eric Heinz

Orange County Fire Authority investigators have determined the fire that caused significant damage to a two-story business complex at 3553 Camino Mira Costa was the result of arson, Capt. Larry Kurtz said on Wednesday.

OCFA will have more information about the incident and will ask for the public’s help in finding information leading to the suspect later this afternoon, Kurtz said.

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Original Story

A fire broke out at about 4:50 a.m. Tuesday at a two-story business complex at 3553 Camino Mira Costa between the Farmers Insurance and Timeless Ink in San Clemente.

Orange County Fire Authority said the fire was put out within 15 to 20 minutes, with 26 firefighters responding. There were no injuries in the incident, OCFA Capt. Larry Kurtz said.

“It was really great aggressive work from the firefighters on scene,” Kurtz said. “This could have been much worse if they let it get any bigger.”

Firefighters had to saw through the roof to release heart of the inferno and contain it, Kurtz said.

Kurtz said the businesses on the top floor cannot be occupied at this time, but he said he didn’t know the status of the businesses on the bottom floor at this time. The building inspectors for the city and OCFA have yet to make a determination on the structure’s status.

Editor’s note: This is a developing story. More information will be provided when it becomes available.

comments (1)

A San Clemente small business caught on fire this morning. Anything can help. These are great people who are trying to make an honest living. Blood, sweat, and tears went into this shop only to be burnt down. My heart breaks for you Stuart Parsen! San Clemente residents, please help spread the word and help this man recover his business and provide for his family. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1617528761893103&id=100009079847575